Taking,the,Paper,Filing,Plunge DIY Taking the Paper Filing Plunge
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in When starting a new work at home business it is very easy to become consumed by it. We spend so much time trying to get the business up and running that we may end up becoming burned out and lose our motivation. There is so much to learn and
Filing ofhome papers, it can be a struggle but help is here! First, block out about one hour of time. Prior to that time, gatherfolders, labeling tools, trash container, and papers accumulated over the pastweek. That is correct, only those from the past week. During the hour, sort thepapers into categories (you can reference suggestions from the "FilingBasics that Make a Difference" article from last month), createappropriate file folders, and place the papers into the files. Please do notforget that one of your categories can be "trash". If the paperdoesn't provide crucial information and if it can be replaced, throw it out!Only about 20% of the paper that is filed is ever referenced again; thereforeconsider filing only the 20%. You will notice that I didn't say anything about papers which may already besomewhat filed or completely piled. This is because dealing with a backlog canbe very overwhelming. Instead vow that from the date that you start and goingforward, that you will file papers as they come in. This is best done bysetting aside 10 - 15 minutes a week to file. Guess what happens if you don'tplan to file you will return to piles and to a state of overwhelm.Additionally, you will be frustrated when you can't find an important piece ofpaper. Plus you will have wasted time that you could have used doing somethingthat you would have enjoyed. Maintenance won't happen on its' own. You mustplan it into your schedule. What about those "old papers"? Set a timer for 15 minutes once ortwice a week to go through some of the paper piles. An alternative is to sortand file a stack when you find that you need a paper from the pile. Don't justdig down to find what you need; look at what you pass along the way and putthem away.Keep your papers manageable by implementing a remove and replace policy whereappropriate. For example, when you receive your new health, home, or carinsurance policy, toss the previous one and replace with the new one. Unlessyou need to keep utility bills for tax purposes, once you receive your new billreflecting that you paid your previous bill, you can toss the one from thepreceding month. Vigilance is your best friend when trying to keep your papers contained!
Taking,the,Paper,Filing,Plunge